Returning to Khon Kaen, Udon Thani and Khao Yai September 24, 2005
Posted by Martin in : Thailand , trackbackIt has been more than 2 weeks since I last saw Tik so I took some time to visit her up north. A flight to Khon Kaen is not especially expensive but I decided this time to take the 6-hour coach journey instead. I’m quite a comfortable traveler and in many ways I prefer to be sitting on a coach for 6 hours than having to move around at the airport, checkin in, waiting in the departure lounge, sitting on the plane, getting off, retrieving luggage etc.
This was a wonderful journey. For those of you who were woken up by my SMS at about 4am you’ll remember my excitement at having massage features built into the coach seat. It was a comfortable journey.
Tik met me in Khon Kaen and we went out for dinner. After that we visited her new apartment in Udon Thani, a town perhaps 90 minutes drive from Khon Kaen. Tik had been a little concerned about me staying there because the units were almost entirely occupied by competing medical reps who enjoyed making gossip, and the landlady held a high position in the hospital where Tik does a lot of business. We were very fortunate that the owner was very friendly and seems to like me. She was very happy for me to stay there and to return whenever I want to.
Tik has a lovely new apartment. The building is brand new so every appliance in her room is modern. Her room is big, with a clean modern bathroom, high-speed internet access and a clean air conditioner. I regret not taking a photograph but will do next month.
We spent two days in Udon Thani, shopping, relaxing, getting my hair done and eating (as usual). We then returned to Khon Kaen where I was to spend the night with Tik’s family. This was very much a sign that our relationship is a serious one as I was expecting to be staying in a hotel. I surprised myself a lot with my level of Thai and felt quite proud that for over a day I did manage to effectively communicate with her family. I’ve even got to the stage where I can even have my jokes received with smiles rather than strange looks because people had assumed I made a mistake with my sentence.
From Tik’s house we drove to Khao Yai – to the same activity resort as we were at in March. Not much had changed at the Greenery Resort but the Zorb Ball was available for us both to use.
You can also see a video of our tandem-roll here.
The Zorb Ball is a New Zealand hobby. The rider gets to stand inside a large plastic ball and to propel it down a steep slope. It’s very similar to a hamster wheel for idiots and was great fun.
Inside the ball itself it was very hot but to prevent friction they pour in a lot of cool water when you begin. Our first attempt was with myself and Tik inside and then after then I tried it solo. Running down the slope was an expensive one minute thrill but we both really enjoyed it.
We spent one night at the Greenery Resort before returning together to Bangkok.
We stopped at Chokchai Farm for a much anticipated steak meal. Chokchai Farm is the largest cattle ranch in Asia. It is nationally famous for its high-quality beef and dairy products. The owner spent much of his life studying America farming methods and on returning to Thailand has built a wonderful enterprise comprising of; the cattle farm, their steakhouse, burger bar, farm tours, ATVs (all terrain vehicles) and boutique camping.
I ate the largest steak meal I have ever had in my life there and, as we’ve done during the last 2 visits, ended the meal with a purchase of fresh ice cream to eat in the car on our return to Bangkok together.
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